What is everyone’s favorite bait for punching mats in clear water during the summer? Thanks

This will be no surprise to many, but I prefer a big (5in.+) tube. Lube it up with an oil based scent and you can get below the mat with a smaller weight. There’s plenty of action when it hits bottom, or is banged up against the underside of the mat. You can add an internal rattle, or scent ball. In a word versatile.

Pit Boss, Menace, Rodent, Rage Craw.

Don't really have a "favorite" ?

 

I cast, flip, pitch, & punch all kinds of plastic.

This year I am gonna try AJ's punching rig.  

1 hour ago, Catt said:

Don't really have a "favorite" ?

 

I cast, flip, pitch, & punch all kinds of plastic.

Ditto 

This past year I've cycled through a Sweet Beaver, D Bomb, Rage Bug and a BB Cricket the most. 

The one I got hit on was the favorite for that outing. 

 

 

 

 

Mike

When I'm punching I have 3 baits tied on

 

#1-Gambler BB Cricket (bowens silver) This is my main bait that gets used most because it flat out gets bit. I have not found a bait that gets in and out of a mat easier. Don't let the small size fool you, big fish will smash it.

#2- Gambler Why Not with a punch skirt. I'll punch this when I need a kicker or working water I feel is holding fish.

#3- D&M punch craw. For when I already have my limit and need a kicker. I don't get as many bites on this bait as the baits above, but the quality seems to be better.

 

I tend to stick with black and blue or Junebug.

My choice would be a Berkley Havoc Pit Boss.

52 minutes ago, Mike L said:

Ditto 

This past year I've cycled through a Sweet Beaver, D Bomb, Rage Bug and a BB Cricket the most. 

The one I got hit on was the favorite for that outing. 

 

 

 

 

Mike

 

My most productive last year casting flipping, pitching, & punching was an Zoom Ultravibe Speed Worm.

 

So far this year it's been creature baits...but it is early pre-spawn!

BB cricket for me

I am pretty new to punching matts, only did it a few times last year but I had a big productive couple hours punching matts along bank mid-day during hottest time of year using a Rage Tail.

 

For this year I bought weights up to 2oz to start really punching the thickest of the thickest.

1 hour ago, 68camaro said:

I am pretty new to punching matts, only did it a few times last year but I had a big productive couple hours punching matts along bank mid-day during hottest time of year using a Rage Tail.

 

For this year I bought weights up to 2oz to start really punching the thickest of the thickest.

I’m going to try punching for the first time this summer and will start out throwing exactly what you’re using. What hook do you use? 

The mustad grip pin hook in 4/0 is money.  I normally fish owner only but this hook is amazing.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Mustad_Denny_Brauer_Grip_Pin_Max_Flippin_Hook_5pk/descpage-MGPEH.html

8 minutes ago, Dorado said:

I’m going to try punching for the first time this summer and will start out throwing exactly what you’re using. What hook do you use? 

         

For punching and flippin hooks (using snell knot) I will be using the following along with tungston weights and will try pegging and unpegged.

 

3/0     Mustad         Grip-Pin-Max     G34131NP-BN                 

5/0     Strike King    Hack Attack Flippin Hook

5/0    Owner           4x Jungle Flippin’ Hook

7/0    Trokar            Flippin Hook

And be patient, I was watching several guys youtube channels and they were averaging one fish every 27 flip/pitches, this was the average over 4 - 8 hrs. They went some stretches with no fish for very long time. 

Last year it was a 4" tube. This year it may be something different.

13 hours ago, Dorado said:

I’m going to try punching for the first time this summer and will start out throwing exactly what you’re using. What hook do you use? 

I prefer the Trokar big nasty flipping hook. I say any hook you prefer as long as it gets through the mat and has enough strength to not bend or flex. I prefer a straight shank so I can snell my knot. 

13 hours ago, Dorado said:

I’m going to try punching for the first time this summer and will start out throwing exactly what you’re using. What hook do you use? 

Trokar TK130. 

Size depends on what I'm throwing. 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Owner 4x Jungle Flippin' Hook ?

Zoom Baby Brush Hog with a 1/2 to 1-ounce sinker to throw into the thickest part of the mat as possible.

This is going to sound insane bug I had some success last year punching a senko

5 minutes ago, kingmotorboat said:

This is going to sound insane bug I had some success last year punching a senko

Not that insane @kingmotorboat. I use senkos in heavy cover with a lot of success. Haven't tried punching with them though. 

I don't even remember why I did it. I think I just said why not

40 minutes ago, kingmotorboat said:

This is going to sound insane bug I had some success last year punching a senko

I have been doing it for years. Now I don't want to see it mentioned here again LOL.

Gambler big o stickbait

Or o beast whatever its called

BB cricket or Burner Craw. big weight, owner Jungle hook.